2008 Nissan Versa Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Nissan Versa is largely unchanged, but a Sport Package is now offered on the SL sedan. Versa is offered as a 4-door sedan or 4-door hatchback in S or up-level SL trim. These compact cars slot beneath Nissan's Sentra in size and price. The only engine is a 122-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. Also available are a conventional 4-speed automatic and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. S models include air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. Optional on S and standard on SL are cruise control, remote entry, and power locks/windows. A wireless cell phone link and keyless locking and starting are optional on SL.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.

News

Versa is just out, and so should stand pat for a while. But a sporty 2-dr hatchback seems a good bet for 2008 or '09. Likely patterned on the 2005 Sport Concept show model, it would answer Toyota's Scion tC and other low-priced, youth-oriented compacts.

Another strong prospect is a small boxy wagon, possibly Versa-based, to rival the popular Scion xB. It's said to be coming for 2009 with a mandatory CVT and a 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine. The name would likely be Cube, taking advantage of the like-named Japan-market Nissan model that's achieved near cult status at home and is not unknown in the U.S.

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2008 Nissan Versa Road Test

Pros	Cons

Rear-seat room	Engine noise

Cargo room (hatchback)	Wind noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
4	3	3	4	4.9

Manual- and 4-speed-automatic transmission versions feel labored and weak at low speed. Lots of shifting of the manual is required for maximum acceleration; an S model so equipped did 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds. SL hatchbacks with the CVT feels livelier from a stop and provides acceptable passing response.

Fuel Economy

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
8	7	7	7	6.5

In Consumer Guide testing, an S hatchback with manual transmission averaged 27.4 mpg in a test that included gas-eating performance runs. A test S hatchback with the 4-speed automatic averaged 24.8 mpg. An SL sedan with the CVT averaged 24.5 mpg in mostly city driving. Versa uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5

Versa has a long wheelbase for its class, and it imparts a comfortable and controlled ride on most surfaces. Large bumps still register sharply, and there is moderate bobbing over wavy pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

For a basic economy car with no overt performance pretension, Versa is nimble and fun to drive. The steering is precise, with little tire squeal and moderate at worst body lean in fast turns. Tidy dimensions aid close-quarters maneuverability. Braking control is good.

Quietness

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.4

Versa's engine is buzzy in rapid acceleration but is subdued otherwise. The quiet highway ride is disturbed by modest wind noise from the mirrors and some coarse-surface tire thrum.

Controls

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.7

The controls are logically placed and, for the most part, clearly marked. Especially nice are the large rotary climate controls. A wireless cell phone link is an unexpected convenience feature in this class. Its usefulness is let down somewhat, as it only understands commands that are spoken slowly, loudly, and clearly.

Details

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	7	5.2

The SL interior is highlighted by lots of soft-touch materials and classy looking gauges--uncommon at this price point. The S model lacks the soft-touch surfaces, but materials are still pleasant for the price. One test model suffered from malfunctioning power door locks. Another suffered from a few dashboard creaks.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.7

Large and comfortable seats belie Versa's small-car price. Even large adults have plenty of room, though tall occupants will want more seat travel. Visibility is good in all directions. Note that only the SL has a height-adjustable driver seat.

Room/Comfort (rear)

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6	4.1

Exceptional room for two large adults, highlighted by ample knee clearance and foot space. The rear armrest on the SL model is a nice touch for a low-price car.

Cargo Room

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
7	3	7	7	5

The sedan's trunk is tall and large for the class. Versa hatchbacks have generous cargo room, but the load floor in both body styles is interrupted by rear seats that don't fold flush, creating an annoying stepped surface. There is plenty of interior storage, including front and rear map pockets.

Value within Class

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
9	9	9	10	6

Versa's priced like a subcompact, but its blend of room, comfort, and refinement are an easy match for any number of more-expensive compact cars. Acceleration is modest, but that's balanced by good road manners. All in all, this Nissan is a Best Buy.

Total Score

S hatchback, manual	S sedan, automatic	S hatchback, automatic	SL hatchback, CVT	Class Average
67	61	65	68	58.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		71

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2008 Nissan Versa Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/29/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

S 4-door sedan, manual	$12,880	$	$660

S 4-door sedan, automatic	$13,680	$	$660

S 4-door hatchback, manual	$12,980	$12,529	$660

S 4-door hatchback, automatic	$13,780	$13,298	$660

SL 4-door sedan, automatic	$15,640	$	$660

SL 4-door hatchback, manual	$14,980	$14,452	$660

SL 4-door hatchback, CVT	$15,980	$15,414	$660

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat (hatchback), power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (hatchback).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 185/65HR15 tires, wheel covers.

SL adds to S:

Powertrain

6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (sedan) or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) [hatchback].

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through (sedan), power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Power Pkg.
S	$700	$607
Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, glovebox light, rear door pockets, door armrest pads.

Convenience Pkg.
SL	$650	$564
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, keyless access and starting, remote engine start, wireless cell phone link.

Sunroof Pkg.
SL	$600	$520
Power sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors. Requires satellite radio.

Sport Pkg.
S hatchback, SL	$700	$607
Rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights. S requires Power Pkg. SL requires Convenience Pkg.

Safety
Antilock brakes
S, SL	$250	$217
Includes brake assist. S requires Power Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rockford Fosgate sound system
SL hatchback	$300	$260
Requires Convenience Pkg.

iPod adapter
SL	$290	$251
Requires satellite radio.

Satellite radio
SL	$150	$131
Requires Convenience Pkg. Hatchback requires Rockford Fosgate sound system.

Cruise control
S	$200	$173


Automatic day/night rearview mirror
S, SL	$125	$109


Floormats
S, SL	$155	$118
Includes trunk mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
hatchback	$250	$218


Mud guards
S, SL	$110	$81


Aluminum door sills
S, SL	$130	$105

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2008 Nissan Versa Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Versa 4-door hatchback	Nissan Versa 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	102.4	102.4

Overall Length, in.	169.1	176.0

Overall Width, in.	66.7	66.7

Overall Height, in.	60.4	60.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	2693	2671

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	50.4	13.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	13.2	13.2

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.6	40.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.4	41.4

Rear Head Room, in.	38.3	37.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.0	38.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	1.8 /110

Horsepower @ rpm.	122 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	127 @ 4800

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	26/31

4-speed automatic	24/32

CVT automatic	27/33

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Versa 4-door hatchback	Nissan Versa 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	4	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4	4

Rollover Resistance	4	4

Side Impact, Driver	4	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Mexico

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

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Also in the 2008 Nissan Versa Review:

Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa Road Test

Nissan Versa Prices & Equipment

Nissan Versa Specs & Safety

Nissan Versa Photos